Lionel Richie will remain part of American Idol despite his recent hospitalizations related to heart problems.
The 77-year-old music legend, who has undergone treatment for atrial fibrillation, is expected to return for the singing competition’s 25th season with fellow judges Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan.
Richie joined the American Idol judging panel in 2018 and has remained a fixture on the ABC series ever since.
The news was unveiled Thursday during the Luke Bryan & Friends concert in Nashville. Footage of the announcement was later shared on Instagram.
Underwood and Bryan stood together onstage, speaking to the audience before Richie appeared on a large screen positioned behind them.
‘Hello, Nashville!’ Richie greeted the crowd as the Bridgestone Arena audience responded with loud cheers and applause.
Lionel Richie, 77, will continue on American Idol following recent hospitalizations for heart issues; pictured on the show in May
The singer is returning for American Idol season 25 alongside fellow judges Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan
‘Just look at this incredible crowd,’ he said. ‘Some of the most meaningful friendships in my life began right here in Nashville, Tennessee.
‘That includes you, Carrie, and you, Luke. Should we reveal our secret?’ Richie asked.
As Underwood recorded a selfie video from the stage, Bryan admitted, ‘I can’t believe I’ve managed to keep this secret. Are you ready, Carrie?’
Once Underwood confirmed she was ready, Bryan enthusiastically declared, ‘We’re coming back for the 25th season of American Idol!’
The announcement was met with a huge reaction as the pair paused while cheers swept through the arena and the camera turned toward the audience.
‘And, of course, American Idol wouldn’t be the same without Mr. Ryan Seacrest. He’ll be returning too,’ Underwood added, confirming that the longtime host will also be back.
Bryan then urged viewers to encourage aspiring singers to audition, asking whether the new season would be ‘legendary.’ Underwood answered with an enthusiastic, ‘Legendary!’
The Instagram post carrying the announcement was captioned: ‘A surprise announcement in Nashville! Carrie, Luke, Lionel, and Ryan return for our landmark Season 25!’
After Underwood confirmed she was ready, Bryan announced that the pair would return for American Idol’s 25th season
Richie became an American Idol judge in 2018 and was pictured on the show in 2025
Daily Mail has contacted Richie’s representatives for comment, but has not received a response.
American Idol season 25 is scheduled to premiere on ABC in 2027.
It was revealed earlier this month that the show’s production will be relocating from Los Angeles to Atlanta, per Deadline.
The news of Richie’s return as an American Idol judge comes amid the performer’s recent health issues.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the star was hospitalized and received treatment for atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat.
A rep for Richie told Our News Outlet, ‘Lionel underwent a common procedure for Atrial fibrillation (AFib).
‘The doctor said everything went perfectly. Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon.’
Amid the latest hospitalization, Richie canceled his next three concerts with Earth, Wind & Fire.
It was revealed earlier this month that the show’s production will be relocating from Los Angeles to Atlanta, per Deadline; seen in April
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the star was hospitalized and received treatment for atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat; seen in April in NYC
He had been set to take to the stage for the Sing a Song All Night Long Tour on September 26 in San Francisco.
Richie also canceled a September 30 concert in Chicago as well as a show in Columbus, Ohio on October 2.
Late last month in August, the music artist was taken into the ICU in St. Louis after he fell ill following a show in the city.
According to TMZ, the star checked himself into the hospital to have tests done before being treated in the intensive care unit.
It was soon revealed by the outlet that Richie had been tested for ‘cardiac-related issues.’
Back in June, the singer also fell on stage mid-performance at Grand Casino Arena in St Paul, Minnesota.
Richie had admitted to feeling ‘dizzy’ and sat down on the stage amid the performance.
Sources close to the music artist told TMZ at the time he was met by paramedics backstage before being transported to the hospital by ambulance as a precautionary measure.
Late last month in August, the music artist was taken into the ICU in St. Louis after he fell ill following a show in the city; seen in July in Detroit
Back in June, the singer fell on stage mid-performance at Grand Casino Arena in St Paul, Minnesota; seen in 2025 in Belfast
Richie later broke his silence on the incident and shared at the time that his concert tour would be halted.
‘Under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his next two shows on Friday, June 26 in Chicago, IL and Saturday, June 27 in Columbus, OH.’
The statement continued, ‘He and Earth, Wind & Fire will return to the stage on Tuesday, June 30 in Pittsburgh, PA.
‘Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back performing for his fans. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes fans who have tickets for these two shows. Rescheduled dates will be announced soon.’
A source told Our News Outlet that loved ones worry that Richie is prioritizing work and performing rather than his own health; seen in 1983
A source told Our News Outlet that loved ones worry that Richie is prioritizing work and performing rather than his own health.
‘Family, friends, and even his bandmates are definitely concerned about Lionel’s health, but nobody is about to tell him to slow down.’
The insider added, ‘They all want him better and to do what he loves to do…’
Earlier this month, Richie looked in high spirits as he stepped out for a dinner party in Beverly Hills and held up a double thumbs up to those awaiting nearby.
